About Emerson College
Emerson College builds the next generation of storytellers and media professionals. With 4,145 students in the heart of Boston, this communications powerhouse has launched careers for comedy legend Jay Leno and actor Henry Winkler. The college accepts 43% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1340. Students dive deep into film, theater, journalism, and digital media with direct pipelines to major networks and studios.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $46,766 after aid, while total costs reach $76,902. Graduates earn a median of $62,832 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $23,000. The monthly loan payment averages $244, manageable given the strong industry connections. However, only 15% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews affluent.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the gender actives in many creative fields. The 88% retention rate shows students stick with their programs once they arrive. With 84% of students coming from out of state, the campus buzzes with diverse perspectives from across the country. The 93% employment rate demonstrates that Emerson's industry reputation translates into real job opportunities for graduates.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $46,766 after aid, while total costs reach $76,902. Graduates earn a median of $62,832 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $23,000. The monthly loan payment averages $244, manageable given the strong industry connections. However, only 15% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews affluent.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the gender actives in many creative fields. The 88% retention rate shows students stick with their programs once they arrive. With 84% of students coming from out of state, the campus buzzes with diverse perspectives from across the country. The 93% employment rate demonstrates that Emerson's industry reputation translates into real job opportunities for graduates.
Academics & Faculty
Emerson College specializes in communications and the arts, making it one of the country's top destinations for aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and performers. The school's programs in film, theater, journalism, and marketing have launched careers for alumni like Jay Leno, Denis Leary, and Henry Winkler. Students work closely with faculty in a 14:1 ratio, getting the personalized attention crucial for creative fields. The 79% six-year graduation rate reflects strong student support, though the specialized curriculum means this isn't the place for undecided majors. Located in Boston's theater district, students gain access to internships and industry connections that turn classroom learning into real-world experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 32.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 78.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.3%
- Retention Rate
- 87.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,832
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Master | $57,318 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $57,318 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,776 |
| Marketing. | Master | $56,641 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $48,432 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,327 |
| Publishing. | Master | $43,426 |
| Journalism. | Master | $41,193 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $40,140 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $38,953 |
Campus Life
Emerson's campus sits in the heart of downtown Boston, with the 14-story Walker Building serving as the main center where you'll take most classes. Housing capacity accommodates 2,583 students, covering about 62% of the total enrollment of 4,145. You'll need a heavy winter coat for Boston's harsh winters and can expect snow from December through March.
The campus blends into the city's Theater District, putting you steps from professional venues where students often intern or attend shows. With 66.61% women, the gender split reflects the school's focus on communications and media arts. Weekend activities center around Boston's cultural scene rather than traditional college sports, since the Lions compete in Division III with just 254 total athletes across 14 varsity sports. Students frequent nearby comedy clubs, film screenings, and networking events that blur the line between academics and professional development. The 87.82% retention rate suggests most students embrace this urban, career-focused environment where industry connections matter as much as grades.
The campus blends into the city's Theater District, putting you steps from professional venues where students often intern or attend shows. With 66.61% women, the gender split reflects the school's focus on communications and media arts. Weekend activities center around Boston's cultural scene rather than traditional college sports, since the Lions compete in Division III with just 254 total athletes across 14 varsity sports. Students frequent nearby comedy clubs, film screenings, and networking events that blur the line between academics and professional development. The 87.82% retention rate suggests most students embrace this urban, career-focused environment where industry connections matter as much as grades.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,583 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1880
Campus Safety (2023)
35 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Emerson draws aspiring creatives from across the country, with 84% of students traveling from out of state to study in Boston's media center. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in communications and performing arts fields that traditionally attract more female students. The school serves a relatively affluent population, with only 15% receiving Pell Grants. Students come seeking hands-on experience in film, theater, journalism, and digital media through programs known for launching entertainment industry careers.
- Men
- 33.4%
- Women
- 66.6%
- White
- 55.1%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 11.1%
- Asian
- 5.7%
- In-State Students
- 16.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.0%
Location
Emerson College sits in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, placing students in the heart of one of America's most college-dense cities. The campus occupies several blocks in the Theater District and Back Bay neighborhoods. Boston hosts over 250,000 college students across more than 50 institutions. The city's compact size makes everything walkable, from internship opportunities at major media companies to historic sites along the Freedom Trail. Students live surrounded by professional theaters, news stations, and film production companies. The school's urban setting contrasts sharply with traditional college campuses, offering city internships instead of quad life. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Emerson with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boston, Massachusetts 02116-4624
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,832
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,447
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Emerson College?
Emerson College admits 42.75% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts students passionate about communications and media arts, with admitted students typically scoring between 1250-1430 on the SAT.
How much does Emerson College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Emerson College is $46,766 per year. Only 14.99% of students receive need-based aid, reflecting the school's affluent student body drawn to its specialized media programs.
What is Emerson College known for academically?
Emerson College specializes in communications, film, theater, and media arts with strong industry connections. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on learning in Boston's thriving media landscape.
What are the career outcomes for Emerson College graduates?
Emerson College graduates earn a median salary of $62,832 ten years after graduation. The school's 93% employment rate reflects its strong reputation in entertainment and media industries.
Where do Emerson College students live on campus?
Emerson College houses 2,583 students in its residence halls throughout downtown Boston. The urban campus puts students at the heart of the city's cultural and media scene.
Does Emerson College have famous alumni in entertainment?
Emerson College has produced notable entertainment figures including Jay Leno, Denis Leary, and Henry Winkler. The school's 66.61% female enrollment reflects the diverse voices shaping modern media and communications.
